Some zoning officials unsure facility would benefit town

Published 11:12 pm, Thursday, June 4, 2015

BRANFORD >> The Planning and Zoning Commission made no decision Thursday evening on a proposed Costco development, choosing instead to continue its discussion on whether the facility fits the town’s long-term development efforts.

Speaking inside Branord Fire Headquarters on North Main Street, commission member John Lust said he doesn’t believe the wholesale retail giant’s proposed 44.7-acre Planned Development District (PDD) near Exit 56 off Interstate 95 is consistent with the town’s Plan for Conservation and Development. Costco is seeking to erect a 158,000-square-foot clubhouse, though its master plan incorporates several existing structures on the lot that currently is zoned industrial.

“I don’t think that we have a complete master plan,” Lust said. “I don’t know how any of us can get by that.”

Commission Chairman Ellsworth McGuigan said that conditions, which the planning and zoning board started outlining Thursday, can be imposed as part of the approval process. However, he said he feels the plan gives the town an opportunity to develop a large part of mostly undeveloped land. The lot has five separately-owned parcels of land, three that are vacant and two with developed structures.

“It’s a good start. It’s a sensible start,” McGuigan said.

McGuigan thinks the plan presents an opportunity to develop an entire lot, and he wants to avoid development on a “hodgepodge basis.” The larger master plan also gives the town more control, he said.

Lust said he doesn’t see any benefit of the facility to the town. He doesn’t think the area could support the traffic generated by the facility and the information previously presented by developers does not offer a clear enough picture of the traffic impact the structure will have on the area.

commission member Marcia Palluzzi supports the project, and said the PDD offers an opportunity to support regional needs in the area. Calling the plan “coherent,” commission member Joseph Chadwick said he’s confident in the plan, but has questions about its benefits for the town.

Since its inception, the plan has generated a mixture of public outcry and support. The massive amount of public interest stretched its public hearing phase to four meetings over a two-month period. In addition to the more than 50 people who spoke during the four meetings, the commission received letters and emails regarding the project. A majority of these people expressed support for the project.

A lot of people said they would love the facility, commission member Charles Andres said, though, conversely, he added that some people have also said they don’t mind driving to the Costco in Milford — one of five locations the wholesale store operates in the state. Others are tired of having to drive there, Andres said.

The commission is scheduled to meet again June 18, according to the town website.